"We need to pass the bill, to see what's in it" – Nancy Pelosi

First Amendment

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

There are six parts to the 1st Amendment:

“Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion” – Congress cannot declare a national religion, nor can it create a national church. The very principal behind this part is why we broke away from England.

“Or prohibiting the free exercise thereof” – Congress cannot make any laws dictating what religion(s) people practice, or in what way/shape/form they practice it.

“Or abridging the freedom of speech” – Congress cannot make any laws restricting somebody’s usage of speech; verbally or written. This right also encompasses the concept of donating money to political campaigns, causes, or groups.

“Or of the press” – Congress cannot make any laws regarding the way our media or press are used by the people.

“Or the right of the people peaceably assemble” – Congress cannot make laws against or prevent anyone from forming a peaceful assembly for whatever purpose they choose. Note the word “peaceably” – does not apply to chaotic, disorderly, or disruptive protests in which the police are needed to detail people.

“And to petition the Government for a redress of grievances” – Congress cannot prevent anyone from lodging complaints against their government, nor can they retaliate against anyone filing a grievance.

Other notes to be aware of:

It is a federal crime to threaten or cause harm to the President or Vice President.

Your right to each of the above ceases when:

Your behavior or activity causes harm to somebody else.

Your behavior or activity slanders the image or reputation of somebody else unjustly.

What you do turns uncivilized.

Your activity begins to harass others.

A policy, order, or mandate places legal limitations on your expression (I.E. If you take a job with a news station and part of their company policy is that you not trash-talk them on any form of media).

You agree to waive your rights for either legal purposes or voluntary purposes.

When you are arrested and have your rights read to you, the line “You have the right to remain silent, anything you say can/will be used against you” is no joke; this is done for your protection.

If you write to your Congressional representatives regarding anything, you have the right to an honest response. Making threats or using lewd/offensive/profane language in your communications may result in legal action; as it falls under the heading of harassment.

As demeaning and disrespectful as the topic is, there is currently no law against burning the American Flag. There is a “flag code” in place, more for a “this is how you should treat our flag and national anthem”.

Each state’s constitution also has a variation of the rights contained in the First Amendment. The First Amendment applies to Congress as a body, while your state’s First Amendment more closely spells out your rights as a citizen.